classification Flashcards
process by which scientists group living organisms
classification
defining and naming groups of biological organisms on the basis of shared characteristics
taxonomy
two names, also called descriptors or epithets. The first word is the generic epithet and describes the genus that an animal belongs to. The second word is the specific epithet and refers to the species of the organisms.
binomial nomenclature
any rank, species or class
taxon
taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, as well as viruses, in biology
genus
one of the eight major taxonomic ranks
family
taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms and recognized by the nomenclature codes.
order
taxonomic rank, as well as a taxonomic unit, a taxon, in that rank
class
level of classification or taxonomic rank below Kingdom and above Class.
phylum
rank equivalent to phylum.
division
living organisms are grouped in Linnean taxonomy, ranking above a phylum.
kingdom
superkingdom or empire, is the highest taxonomic rank of organisms in the three-domain system of taxonomy
domain
organisms based on their assumed evolutionary histories and relationships.
phylogeny
feature, or trait, of an organism, whether acquired or inherited.
characters
mutation rate of biomolecules to deduce the time in prehistory when two or more life forms diverged.
molecular clock
